Top Suggestions for Visiting Egypt for the First Time in 2025

Egypt is a bucket-list vacation spot for vacationers worldwide. From the timeless Pyramids of Giza to the gorgeous corals of the Red Sea, Egypt affords experiences as various as its wealthy and lengthy heritage.

If you’re planning a go to to Egypt in the previous few weeks of 2024 or in 2025, listed here are some important tricks to make your journey clean, pleasant and unforgettable.

1. Book a Tour for a Hassle-Free Experience

For first-time, and even return, guests to Egypt, reserving a tour is extremely advisable. 

A well-organized tour will show you how to navigate Egypt’s iconic websites, guarantee clean logistics, and prevent from potential hassles like language boundaries or transportation confusion. 

There are many kinds of excursions obtainable to swimsuit completely different preferences, together with non-public excursions for a personalised expertise, group excursions for individuals who take pleasure in shared adventures, and specialised excursions similar to historic deep dives, diving excursions within the Red Sea, or journey journeys to the White Desert. Many excursions additionally embody educated guides who carry historical past to life, making your go to much more enriching.

Visiting Egypt? Here are some excursions it’s best to take into account:

1. Cairo: Half-Day Tour to Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx – An awesome choice for visiting the Pyramids, with a non-public Egyptologist tour information and transportation to and out of your resort in Greater Cairo or Giza.
2. Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara and Memphis Tour – If you need to see extra of Ancient Egypt in Cairo or Giza, that is the right alternative and takes you to Saqarra – the location of the primary ever pyramid.
3. From Cairo: Fayoum Magic Lake 4×4 Desert Safari and Sandboarding Tour – Want to flee the hustle and bustle of Cairo for a magical and distinctive expertise? This tour will take you to the alluring Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and you should have an opportunity to marvel on the majestic Mudawara Mountains. You will then take pleasure in action-packed dune bashing, sandboarding, and a pleasant camel journey.

2. Consider Airport Transfers for Convenience

If you’ve bought a tour bundle and it doesn’t embody airport transfers, reserving one upfront is a brilliant transfer. This service ensures a hassle-free journey to your resort or lodging with out the stress of haggling for taxi costs or looking for a rideshare service after an extended flight. It is a small step that makes an enormous distinction.

If you need to ebook a non-public automobile or van with a driver in your journey in Cairo, click here.

3. Understand Visa Requirements

Before reserving your tickets to Egypt, it’s important to test the visa necessities in your nationality. Egypt affords a number of visa choices for vacationers, and understanding your eligibility will prevent from any surprises on the airport.

Many nationalities can apply for an eVisa on-line via Egypt’s official eVisa portal. This handy choice lets you acquire your visa earlier than touring, eliminating the necessity to queue on the airport. The eVisa software sometimes requires primary info, a scanned copy of your passport, and a small price of USD 25. Once authorised, the eVisa will probably be emailed to you, and it’s best to print a duplicate to current upon arrival.

Some vacationers are additionally eligible for a visa on arrival, which may be bought on the airport for a small price in USD or different accepted currencies similar to Euros. However, to keep away from potential delays or confusion, it is strongly recommended to go for the eVisa every time doable. The visa on arrival prices USD 25 (as on the time of publication) and it should be paid in money – native Egyptian foreign money won’t be accepted.

If you’ve booked a tour, typically the tour already contains visa on arrival so it’s best to test along with your tour supplier.

If you’re not sure about your visa eligibility, contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for essentially the most correct and up-to-date info. Keep in thoughts that your passport should be legitimate for at the least six months past your meant date of entry into Egypt.

4. Learn Basic Arabic Phrases

While many Egyptians, notably in city areas and vacationer locations, converse English and a variety of different languages, making an effort to be taught a couple of primary Arabic phrases can considerably improve your expertise. 

Simple phrases and phrases like “shukran” (thanks), “afwan” (you’re welcome), “sabah el kheir” (good morning) and “masaa el kheir” (good afternoon / night) present respect for the native tradition and sign your willingness to interact on a deeper stage.

Using these phrases usually brings a heat response, as locals admire guests who take the time to be taught their language. Even a pleasant “ezayak? (masculine)” or “ezayeek? (feminine)” (Egyptian Arabic for “how are you?”) can open the door to significant interactions and enrich your travels. It can be useful in sensible conditions, similar to navigating markets, ordering meals, or searching for help.

By demonstrating this small however vital effort, you’ll not solely ease your method via on a regular basis interactions but in addition go away a constructive impression, reinforcing the real hospitality that Egypt is thought for. 

5. Don’t Miss Egypt’s Top Museums and Attractions

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), now open as part of a soft launch, is a must-visit for historical past fanatics. Located close to the Pyramids of Giza, this state-of-the-art facility is the world’s largest archaeological museum and showcases Egypt’s historic treasures, together with artifacts from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. If you desire a extra intimate and personal expertise on the GEM, you’ll be able to even take into account reserving tickets for an exclusive lecture series by world-renowned Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass which will probably be held on the GEM and which additionally features a non-public dinner. If you’re in search of a extra reasonably priced go to to the GEM, you can book a guided tour and your tickets for the GEM here.

Additionally, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC) in Cairo affords an enchanting journey via Egyptian historical past, culminating within the gorgeous Pharaohs’ Hall of Mummies. This has shortly develop into one in every of Egypt’s high points of interest, praised for its gorgeous show of Egyptian civilization.

Looking to skip-the-line on the Pyramids of Giza or on the NMEC? Book your tickets upfront:

1. Pyramids of Giza Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets
2. Cairo: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization NMEC Skip-the-Line Entry Tickets

6. Dress Modestly and Be Practical

While cities like Cairo and Alexandria are comparatively fashionable and cosmopolitan, Egypt stays culturally conservative in lots of areas. Dressing modestly just isn’t solely about respecting native customs but in addition about being sensible, particularly at main historic websites which can be usually sandy, dusty, and require quite a lot of strolling.

Women ought to take into account sporting unfastened, breathable clothes and carrying a shawl to cowl their shoulders or head when coming into mosques. Men could discover trousers or light-weight pants extra appropriate than shorts, notably in formal or rural areas (and could also be required to put on trousers when visiting spiritual websites). Sturdy, closed-toe sneakers are additionally advisable for navigating uneven terrain at archaeological websites. This strategy will maintain you snug whereas displaying respect for cultural expectations.

7. Understand the Egyptian Currency

Egypt’s foreign money is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), usually abbreviated as LE or “geneih” in Arabic. Familiarizing your self with the native foreign money and change charges is important to keep away from confusion and guarantee clean transactions previous to your arrival – and essential for avoiding scams. Be cautious of unofficial cash change providers, as these could supply poor charges and even counterfeit payments. Stick to ATMs or respected change places of work to make sure you get honest and correct exchanges.

Always carry small payments for suggestions, small purchases, or transportation, as distributors and drivers could not all the time have change for bigger denominations. While bank cards are generally utilized in accommodations and lots of fashionable institutions, smaller retailers and markets could typically function on a cash-only foundation, so having money readily available is advisable.

8. Be Cautious With Food and Water

Egyptian delicacies is a deal with for the senses, with dishes like koshari, ful medames, and pigeon. However, to keep away from abdomen troubles, don’t drink faucet water and be selective about the place and what you eat.

If making an attempt road meals, search for distributors with a excessive turnover of shoppers, as this usually signifies freshness and protected meals dealing with. Only drink bottled water and keep away from ice in drinks from institutions that aren’t well-reviewed or established. When brushing your tooth or within the bathe, attempt to keep away from consuming faucet water. And whereas there’s an Egyptian saying that goes, “If you drink from the Nile, you will come back again,” undoubtedly don’t do that!

9. Embrace the Spirit of Adventure and Egypt’s Diversity Through Day Tours by Bus or Plane

Egypt is a land of contrasts: historic wonders alongside bustling fashionable cities, huge deserts bordering lush oases. Dive into the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs, discover the serene streets of Old Cairo, or chill out on the seashores of the Sinai Peninsula.

Some of the preferred excursions embody:

1. From Cairo: Day Trip to Luxor by Plane: Did you recognize you’ll be able to go to Luxor, one in every of Egypt’s most majestic cities for followers of Ancient Egypt, on a day journey from Cairo? This tour will take you from the consolation of your resort in Cairo to the unbelievable wonders of Luxor and again!
2. From Hurghada: Day Trip to Luxor Valley of the Kings & Tutankhamun Tomb: If you’re visiting Hurghada, one of many world’s premier seaside areas, and wish to discover Ancient Egypt as effectively, that is the right day tour for you, taking you to the Valley of the Kings and Luxor’s high sighs.
3. From Cairo: Full Day Tour of Historical Alexandria: Tour town referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, from the Roman theater of Kom El-Deka and the catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa to the Citadel of Qatibay.
4. From El Gouna: Private Boat Day Trip to Bayoud or Tawilah Island: El Gouna is among the premier areas in Egypt alongside the Red Sea. From there, you’ll be able to take a non-public boat day journey to Bayoud or Tawilah Island the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters, enjoyable on gentle sandy seashores exploring the fantastic thing about the Red Sea.
5. Aswan: City Highlights Private Guided Tour: Aswan is an excellent mix of Ancient Egyptian websites, Nubian tradition and southern Egyptian hospitality. This tour will take you to all the important thing spots, offering you with a memorable expertise to Upper Egypt.
6. From Hurghada: Full Day Trip to Cairo Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum by Plane: In addition to Luxor, it’s also possible to make a journey to Cairo and go to a few of Cairo’s high websites all in a single day, with snug decide up and drop off out of your resort in Hurghada.

10. Use the Right Transportation

If travelling to Egypt with out a tour, or in case you merely wish to discover throughout your day without work, it’s best to take into account which transportation choices are best for you.

In cities, Uber and Careem are dependable rideshare providers. For lengthy distances, trains and home flights are sensible decisions. If you go for a conventional, all the time verify taxi fares upfront or insist on utilizing a meter.

However, for the last word consolation, reliability and comfort, a non-public automobile with a driver is the most suitable choice. This is very true for households or teams of people that wish to journey collectively in a single automobile with flexibility. You can book this option here.

11. Respect Religious and Historical Sites

Egypt’s spiritual and historic websites are extra than simply points of interest – they’re residing symbols of the nation’s wealthy cultural heritage and non secular significance. Whether you’re exploring an historic temple, stepping right into a mosque, or visiting a historic church, it’s essential to strategy these locations with the respect they deserve.

Before coming into, familiarize your self with any particular customs or guidelines. For occasion, guarantee your apparel is modest and acceptable, observe pictures tips, and preserve quiet and respectful conduct. Some websites require particular permits for skilled cameras or drones, and pictures inside sure temples or tombs could also be prohibited to guard the artifacts or preserve the sanctity of the house. Be aware of rituals and worshippers when visiting mosques, church buildings, or synagogues throughout or outdoors prayer instances.

12. Dealing with Vendors Hassling You at Sites

At in style vacationer points of interest, you would possibly encounter distributors desirous to promote souvenirs, excursions, or different gadgets. While their persistence can typically really feel overwhelming, dealing with these conditions politely and assertively is essential. A agency however pleasant “la shukran” (no thanks) is commonly efficient in signaling your disinterest. Avoid extended eye contact or partaking in dialog except you genuinely wish to purchase one thing, as this may be perceived as an invite to barter. 

If a vendor turns into overly persistent, stay calm and proceed strolling confidently with out stopping. Most distributors will finally transfer on to different potential prospects. Remember, they depend on these interactions for his or her livelihood, so treating them with respect whereas standing your floor is the most effective strategy.

If you’ve booked a tour, your tour information may even usually intervene to maintain distributors at bay. Here are a few of our advisable excursions throughout Cairo:

1. Cairo: Full Day Egyptian Museum, Pyramids and Bazaar Guided Tour: A personal or shared full day tour throughout Cairo, together with highlights similar to Khan El-Khalili market.
2. Old Cairo: Full-Day Islamic and Coptic Cairo Private Tour: Beyond Ancient Egyptian websites, Old Cairo’s Islamic and Coptic Christian websites are a must-visit. This non-public tour takes you to the important thing websites – from Saladin’s Citadel to the Hanging Church.

13. Purchasing Items at Markets and How to Haggle

Markets, or “souqs,” in Egypt are vibrant, bustling hubs full of distinctive souvenirs, spices, textiles, and extra. Whether you’re visiting Khan El Khalili or a smaller market elsewhere in Egypt, haggling just isn’t solely anticipated but in addition a part of the cultural expertise. When negotiating, begin by providing an quantity that’s at the least 25 % decrease than the beginning worth (particularly if there aren’t any worth labels). Vendors usually worth gadgets greater for vacationers, anticipating some bargaining.

Keep the interplay lighthearted and respectful – haggling is commonly seen as a sport. Avoid displaying an excessive amount of enthusiasm for an merchandise, as this will likely cut back your leverage. If you can not agree on a worth, politely thank the seller and stroll away. Often, they could name you again with a decrease supply.

One factor to notice: the Egyptian foreign money is at the moment fairly weak. If you end up haggling over what quantities to just some {dollars}, take a step again and take into account whether or not the haggling is value it or if saving these few {dollars} will prevent time and make each events joyful.

Finally, all the time carry money, as some distributors don’t settle for playing cards, and follow your finances to keep away from overpaying. Exploring Egypt’s markets with an open thoughts and a willingness to barter can result in memorable experiences and distinctive finds at honest costs. If you will discover an Egyptian pal to affix you, you will have even higher luck!